Rodger Eckhoff

Rodger Neil Eckhoff

COLE CAMP — Rodger Neil Eckhoff, 65, of Cole Camp, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Wednesday, September 27, 2017. He was born on April 8, 1952, near Cole Camp, Missouri, a son of Lawrence Dietrich and Elda Anna Louise (Brandt) Eckhoff.

He attended school at Balke Prairie and graduated from Cole Camp High School in 1970. On November 21, 1970, at Cole Camp, he was united in marriage to Deborah Smith, who survives of the home. This union was blessed with the gift of three daughters: Krista, Heather, and Leslie.

Other than his unwavering love for God, Rodger's greatest treasure was his family. He was very proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved to teach them how to do things on the farm and was always full of wise advice. Rodger had the gift of story telling and could always tell a story that made everyone laugh. He always found time to "just talk to people" and enjoyed sitting around a table with friends or family and talking. Rodger believed in hard work but always found the time to be there for others in need. He had a very generous nature and a giving heart.

Rodger loved life on the family farm and his childhood memories on Balke Prairie. His greatest memories were of working on the farm and spending time with his brothers and sisters. He also enjoyed pheasant and deer hunting, trap shooting, antique cars, John Deere tractors, cattle, and going to tractor pulls. Rodger was a very social man and enjoyed going for his morning coffee and finding out the daily news.

Rodger was active in several organizations throughout his life and career including The Poultry Federation, National Rifleman's Association, served in the Church council at St Paul's Lutheran Church and at Brauersville Lutheran Church, and the Cole Camp Fair Board. Rodger received honors including "Work Horse of the Year" and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Cargill Incorporated. He loved working for Cargill and was dedicated to the company throughout his entire professional career. His work ethic was an example that was cherished by his coworkers and family.

He is survived by: his wife, Deborah Eckhoff of the home; three daughters, Krista Poe and her husband Ron, Heather Oelrichs and her husband Ryan, and Leslie Hesse and her husband Andrew, all of Cole Camp; three sisters, Rose Scott of Cole Camp, Ella Ann Knierim of Stover, and Elda Ruth Bryson of Sedalia; two brothers, Kenneth Eckhoff and his wife Linda of Cole Camp and Nelson Eckhoff of Sedalia; two sisters-in-law, Armilda Eckhoff and Geri Eckhoff; a brother-in-law, Bill Dey; nine grandchildren, Dylan Oelrichs, Dayton Oelrichs, Reganne Poe, Braden Poe, Kaylan Poe, Marilyn Hesse, Lauren Hesse, Waylon Hesse, and Colborn Hesse.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Elda Eckhoff, a sister, Alma Dey, five brothers, Marvin Eckhoff, Eldon Eckhoff, Virgil Eckhoff, Ralph Eckhoff, and Leroy Eckhoff, and two sisters-in-law, Mary Eckhoff and Margaret Eckhoff.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, with Pastor Stephen Zeller officiating. Burial will be in Brauersville Lutheran Cemetery, near Cole Camp.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cole Camp.

The family suggests memorial contributions be given to St. Paul's Fellowship Building Fund, Cole Camp FFA, or Stover FFA in care of the Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Schlesselman, Edward Oelrichs, Dan Britton, Rodney Metscher, Jason Witt, Larry Hughes, George Rex, and Donald Eckhoff.